The Kentucky Mule: A Spicy, Refreshing Twist on the Moscow Mule

Let's be honest: the Moscow Mule is great. It's fizzy, zesty, and easy to drink. But what if we told you there's a version with more character, more warmth, and more complexity? Enter the Kentucky Mule.

We're simply swapping the vodka—which is really just there for the booze—with a good, flavorful bourbon. The result is a total upgrade. The bourbon's inherent vanilla, caramel, and spice notes play beautifully with the sharp bite of the ginger beer and the bright tang of the lime. This is the crowd-pleaser you'll be making all year long.

A History of Swapping Spirits

The Kentucky Mule is a direct descendant of the Moscow Mule, which was famously invented in the 1940s as a clever marketing scheme to sell Smirnoff vodka and a new brand of ginger beer. It worked. The cocktail, and its iconic copper mug, became a sensation.

It didn't take long for resourceful bartenders and home drinkers to realize, "Hey, this would be even better with whiskey!" And so, the Kentucky Mule (also called a "Bourbon Mule") was born.

When to Make a Kentucky Mule

The Summer BBQ / Derby Party: This is the ultimate "big batch" cocktail. It’s refreshing, serves a crowd, and is perfect for a hot day.

The "I Don't Know What to Make" Drink: Friends drop by unexpectedly? This 3-ingredient sipper is ready in 60 seconds.

The Ginger Beer Lover's Go-To: If you're a fan of a good, spicy ginger beer, this is the best way to showcase it.

A Quick Note on the Copper Mug: Do you need the copper mug? Nope. This is a judgment-free zone. It'll taste just as good in a highball glass. The mug does look cool and gets incredibly frosty, which enhances the experience, but don't let a lack of copper stop you.

How to Make a Kentucky Mule

This is a "built" cocktail, meaning you don't even need a shaker. You build it right in the glass.

Recipe:

2 oz Bourbon

½ oz Fresh Lime Juice

4-5 oz Ginger Beer (chilled)

Instructions:

Fill your copper mug or highball glass with ice.

Pour in the bourbon and the fresh lime juice.

Top with the chilled ginger beer.

Give it a gentle stir to combine (don't stir too much, or you'll lose the fizz!).

Garnish with a lime wedge.

Pour Man's Proof (The Key Ingredient): Your Mule is only as good as your ginger beer. Ditch the sweet, weak ginger ales. Look for a spicy ginger beer that has a real "bite" to it.

Great Value Picks: Fever-Tree, Q Mixers, or Reed's Extra Ginger.